FIT Japan Fashion Now

Last Thursday, September 23rd, my friend Ayano invited me to a reception at the Museum at FIT and I had a chance to see the Japan Fashion Now exhibit. It was a fun event with an open bar and lots of people dressed in amazing outfits. I wish I had snapped more pictures of the people who were in attendance. 

Undercover (Jun Takahashi) Ensemble: Pale blue polyester and cotton, lace, tulle, fur, brass, glass, nylon, rayon, rubber (wow, that's a mouthful to say!)

White Mountaineering Man's Ensemble: Green wool, cotton, nylon, neoprene, suede - Fall/Winter 2010-11, Japan - Lent by White Mountaineering

I also took a lot pictures of the out of this world clothing on display, which were just...well you just have to see it. Some of my favorites included a Jellyfish ensemble by Somarta, a creamy sheer concoction of a dress that I would love to wear. The menswear also really impressed me, especially an ensemble by Phenomenon - ankle length pleat shirt underneath a green armadillo-like nylon jacket paired with pants, and these cosmic over the knee silver leather boots. The exhibition also included some ensembles from the 1980's by Kenzo, Gothic and Lolita dresses as well as avante garde pieces by Issey Miyake and many more designers. If you haven't had a chance, you definitely need to stop by and check out the extensive exhibit!

Menswear by Phenomenon (Takeshi Osumi): Man's Ensemble: Green Nylon, cotton, metallic leather, nylon - Fall/Winter 2010 Japan, Lent by Phenomenon

One of my favorites: Jellyfish Ensemble by Somarta - Lent by Soma Design, Ivory Polyester, nylon, Satin Ribbon, Plastic, Brass, leather, Spring/Summer 2009, Japan

Comme des Garçons (Rei Kawakubo) Biker/Ballerina Ensemble
Black Leather, pink and white gingham, tulle
Spring/Summer 2005, Japan - The Museum at FIT Purchase
Tanya Melendez,

Curator of Education & Public programs The Museum at FIT, in Comme des Garçons

Favorite Looks

Sept 15 - Eva Minge People's Revolution
Sept 17 - Ivana Helsinki - love love love the rope boot

Laos in NYC Subway

Since last week was fashion week, there were plenty of stylish looking people on the street. It was fun to just walk up to people and ask for a snapshot (something that I typically wouldn't do). Surprisingly, everyone was really obliging and nice! I was sitting on the subway and noticed a well-dressed man and thought - this guy must work in fashion! I really liked his accessories (check out his cuff!) and style, so I approached him and we chatted. My fashion radar was correct, Bounkhong Kignavong, originally from Laos, is a textile and shawl designer (www.laodesignonline.com). He's wearing one of his designs!

Loris Diran + Jinny Kim Shoes @Audi 9/15

Photo 1: The setup at Audi - models standing on rotating floor
Photo 2: The hair - romantic braids
Photo 3 & 4: The colors- nudes, beiges, and pinks
Photo 5 & 6: The shoes: Jinny Kim - Caramel Suede Wedges
Photo 7: Interesting skirt
Photo 8: Patricia Ann Parenti - Designer tenderglovingcare.com
Photo 9: Cognac Wellerlane - TV Host Actress - www.cognacscorner.tv

At the Armory: Phillip Lim

Thursday, September 16th, the last day of Fashion Week, I met Elle Muliarchyk, a photographer hired by Phillip Lim, and also a photojournalist for T Magazine - Check out her amazing work here. She looked great in purple! The set was so interesting and the space was immense. Sorry for the fuzzy pictures, but you get a nice sense of the set up. Phillip Lim's collection was gorgeous, of course.

Sparkle and Mauricio

I met the super sweet model Sparkle and also super nice Mauricio at the Loris Diran Presentation at the Audi Showroom, September 15th.

Sparkle is wearing: Anna Sui Stockings, BCBG Shoes, Vintage dress from the 50's, Sonia Rykiel shrug, and Fantasy Faux fur hat by TopShop

Mauricio (styled by Sparkle) is wearing: G Start Raw Scarf, Tom Ford Slacks, Brooks Brothers Balzer, Top men shoes, and Michael Kors Shades

September 14th: Around Lincoln Center

Photo 1: Karen Blanchard: Fashion Blogger: WhereDidUGetThat.com, I saw Karen in her dress and just loved it. The color looks great on her and the opening

Photo 2: Rosemary Ponzo: Internationally recognized film, TV and theatrical costume designer, and celebrity stylist: www.rosemaryponzo.com

Photo 3 & 4: Atalita Morais: Model

Photos of the Photographers

I had just finished the Diesel show and met a few photographers outside. They were headed to the Donna Karan show, so I tagged along. Outside the Donna Karan Show:
Photo 1: Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist). This was kind of surreal. I thought the photographer looked familiar. When I approached him for a photo, he kindly obliged, and said "That's fair". He asked me where I wanted to take it and I pointed toward a sunny spot. He pointed to the spot a few feet away. "How about here? There's some shade." "Are you going to take a good photo of me?", he asked. "I'll do my best!" I replied, and voila! I just snapped one, since he seemed like he was in a rush!
Photo 2: Paula Renee (No4Corners) and Brittani Sensabaugh (Brittsense.com)
Photo 3: H.B. Nam (StreetFSN) and Jason Jean (Citizen Couture)
Photo 4 & 5: Bill Cunningham of the NY Times. It was so cool to see him in action! He was super concentrated and immersed in taking photos, so I didn't want to bother him.

Backstage at Diesel

I met Young backstage at the Diesel Black Gold Show. I fell in love with her playful lego belt that she bought in Thailand. The necklace is from her wholesale store in Korea.

Pics from Fashion Week

Marco Marcu

Marco Marcu

Nary Manivong

Nary Manivong

Nary Manivong